After initial phone conversations Sue sent me a series of still pics and initial payment..

A search for a suitable background commenced on Google for images looking for “Rhossili bay”, “Worms Head” and “Three Cliffs”, also in various Pilot books and other sources.

Fortunately I have a file from 35+ years of painting that includes some piolet books and rare pictures of likley locations from around the world .

Part of the problem with coastline is was to find good shots taken from the sea, most are from onshore.

After a struggle we eventually found suitable illustrations thanks to Dr Michael Baker who is a very adept researcher and was the webmaster behind www.frickers.co.uk/art.

We settled for a background based on 3 pics of Three Cliffs Bay, the first two from the sea side, the third from the beach side.

About the painting

What was supplied?

Sue radialted infectious enthusiasm and excitement during the process, sent some photos of the yacht anchored, sailing in a very light breeze and some of her ashore. Normally the client is not very involved once work starts, however Sue was keen and very helpful plus patient with my necessary, detailed questions.

The photos supplied were of Hazlerigg in light winds, as is often the caes, all were from the wrong directions.

Pic 1 is an example; note the yacht’s headsail was a worry, an unrecognisable shape and shown collapsed in light air…

Pic 1.
The painting was based on this and similar photos.

Attention was paid to the sea state and wind direction in relation to the yacht and her sails.

How far off the beach the yacht was to be was also a matter of fine judgement and took 2 more sketches.

The wind is shown aft of the mean direction because of the effect of an apparent wind and importantly in this case, as a sailor knows the 3 cliffs would have bent the wind direction further aft so Hazlerigg is show with sheets more eased than one might at first expect.

It was necessary to draw the yacht several times to get the movement, heal and pitch suitably lively.

Sue was e-mailed sketches for comment and approval (pics 2 to 7 show this process).

Sue seemed to enjoy being involved in the process.

A sketch was also made of the background, 3 water colours were then drawn out and final corrections made. Once started, only one study went all the way to completion.

Sketches 2 to 4 shown below were sent as attachments to be discussed.

Next we decided:

which angle of the yacht you would favour

which background

other comments

Pic 2.
A concept Sketch.

Pic 3.
A concept Sketch.

Pic 4.
A concept Sketch.

Pics 2 to 4 are development sketches looking at the overall issues.

Pic 5.
Detail of Hazlerigg.

Pic 6.
Detail of Hazlerigg.

Pics 5 and 6 show two of the many necessary details extracted from the selection of shots sent.

Pic 7.
Final Sketch.

Eventually, developed sketch 7 was e-mailed for approval and the painting as completed was also e mailed.

Meantime the original painting was sent for framing and delivery, on time in budget to become a unique gift that we hope will give many years of pleasure, more as time goes by, and will become a family heirloom.